Overview & Reviews

Volkswagen is an automaker based in Germany. Its products typically command a higher price than those of competing models, but the return is a more upscale driving and ownership experience.

In 1934, Ferdinand Porsche was commissioned to build a small, inexpensive car at the request of Adolph Hitler. His answer -- a beetle-shaped sedan that was called a Volkswagen (German for "people's car") -- debuted two years later. Hitler had a town built near the plant for factory workers; he named it Kraft durch Freude Stadt (derived from the Nazi party's motto, "Joy through Strength"), and soon decided that Porsche's creation should be named the KdF-wagen (short for the "Joy through Strength" car). This upset Porsche, who was not political.

World War II delayed production of the vehicle; the factory suffered extensive damage during combat, and was ultimately taken over by the British Army. The company was renamed Volkswagen, and the town at the factory was renamed Wolfsburg (after Werner von Schulenberg of Wolfsburg, who had been forced to surrender his land for the construction of the town and factory). By the end of the 1940s, mass production of the Volkswagen Beetle had begun. The model made its first appearance on U.S. shores in 1949.

The 1950s saw Volkswagen broadening its product range, adding the Bus (Type 2) to its lineup. The Bus, especially, proved quite popular due to its versatility. And the Beetle, which went on to become the best-selling car of all time, quickly showed signs of being an enduring favorite, with more than 1 million models produced at the Wolfsburg factory by 1955. This decade also saw the debut of the Karmann Ghia sports car, which featured a sleek, Italian-designed two-seater body atop a Beetle platform.

Volkswagen's star rose during the 1960s, its success fueled largely by the breakout success of the Beetle. The car benefited from an effective advertising campaign and from an appearance in a popular Disney movie. By the close of the decade, Volkswagen's yearly output of Beetles topped the 1 million mark.

In 1972, with more than 15 million units assembled, the Beetle topped the world production record set by Ford's Model T. Mid-decade saw the launch of a new era of Volkswagens that had front-mounted, water-cooled engines driving the front wheels. The Passat (Dasher in the U.S.) was the first of the new breed and was built using standardized components that could be used interchangeably among other models in the manufacturer's lineup. The Passat was soon joined by the Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.), which met with immediate success. By the end of the decade, the manufacturer's lineup had grown to include the Scirocco sport coupe and the performance-oriented Golf/Rabbit GTI. The Beetle, however, was discontinued for the U.S. market.

The Golf grew in popularity during the '80s, becoming Volkswagen's most popular model. When a second generation of the car was built in 1983, it was crafted in a mostly automated process using robots -- marking the first time robots had been used in vehicle manufacture. By the mid-'80s, the U.S. version traded the Rabbit name for "Golf." The higher-performance Golf GTI helped the manufacturer make waves on the rally circuit. In 1986, Volkswagen Motorsport nabbed the title of Group A World Rally Champions.

Volkswagen saw its sales in the North American market tumble during the early '90s, but by the end of the decade, refocused marketing efforts and an increased emphasis on new products had brought about a turnaround in the company's fortunes. The popular New Beetle helped put the company back on the radar in the United States (though it fared less successfully in European markets). The body style was based on the classic Beetle, and it struck a chord with consumers who still had a place in their hearts for the iconic, cheerful-looking "love bug."

The new millennium saw Volkswagen moving into the luxury segment with the launch of the pricey Phaeton sedan and Touareg SUV. Though well-designed and executed, the Phaeton was a disappointment sales-wise, perhaps signaling unwillingness on the part of consumers to shell out premium dollars for a brand that lacks the cachet of established upscale names like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Luckily, Volkswagen has seen success with other vehicles in its lineup, which currently includes everything from family-oriented sedans to roomy SUVs. Today, the automaker enjoys a reputation for crafting vehicles that offer refined handling and upscale accommodations.

User Reviews:

• 

  V6 AWD Passat - a Mini Phaeton - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By RLK - April 14 - 9:36 pm

  The V6 AWD Passat with Sport suspension is really an 8/10ths Phaeton. I have made several cross-country trips in this car and have been extremely impressed with its comfort and ability to make long driving days go by in a blur. unfortunately, my car had several minor electronic glitches, but they were all dealt with by VW. This car is still worth it. It looks and feels like a $50,000 $60,000 vehicle.

• 

  happy so far - 2012 Volkswagen Golf
  By willie3051 - April 14 - 5:22 pm

  This is my first VW and the 2012 Golf is impressive. The car is very comfortable and handles well. On its first long trip, I averaged 33 mpg of mostly highway miles.

• 

  Great ar for a suddenly single guy - 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
  By Michael Smegielski - April 9 - 5:32 pm

  Great looking, great to drive, nice feel on the road. The interior is a couple of steps above the cars in its class like the Honda CRV or Toyota Rav4, very rich feel in fit and finish. I really like the black exterior with the black/charcoal interior It adds a touch of masculinity to the car, there is just enough satin chrome to offset all the black. Performance is far better than I expected, the turbo really adds to the acceleration and feeling of power when you drop the accelerator, very minimal turbo lag, sport mode is really fun and it gets you moving beyond highway speed limits very quick. The only minor issue that has taken some getting used to is the way the vehicle shifts going up and down steep hills, it just seems to take forever to shift when going up and downshifts a bit too quickly when going down. I am very pleased I chose the R Line, I like the sport package with the larger wheels, low profile tires and trim. I just didnt need the sunroof, navigation or some of the other options that the SE and SEL offered at a much higher price. For me this was the right choice 6 months of ownership and in the middle of a New England winter. The R line is a great looking and a great performing car, the low profile tires and 19 inch wheels look great but while they work ok with the 4 motion drive they arent the best performing combination for deep snow. A narrower tire and wheel would work much better. That being said, I still would not trade the R line for a SE or SEL. 6 months later and I still love the car.

• 

  A Must Read - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Excitmnt94 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Not only does this car look stunning bathed in Reflex Silver, shod with 17 inch wheels and dealer-tinted windows, but it has all the features and amenities of cars costing much more. The only thing I find more moving than all the luxury and refinement that surrounds me, is the 1.8 liter turbo mated with a slick-shifting manual transmission. Press firmly on the go pedal and you hear a slightly-audible whooshing sound issuing from the engine bay as your turbo rapidly spools up. What happens next is nothing less than startling. You are pressed firmly into your leather seatback as you rocket down the open road. EMAIL FOR MORE excitmnt94@hotmail.com

• 

  Gorgeous and fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By C.Scott - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2002 Turbo beetle, which I totally loved, for the 2003 convertible GLS 2 months ago. Absolutely gorgeous car, turns heads everywhere I go when the tops down, and SO MUCH FUN to drive! People scream "nice car" at me constantly, and I have to agree. Ive been waiting 5 years for this car, and it really is worth the wait. I bought the galatic blue with tan interior - sharp combination. I totally love my car.

• 

  Awesome - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
  By JoAnne - April 8 - 8:33 pm

  I chose the VW Beetle convertible because my grandson loves the "Slug Bug" and wanted me to get one. Once I drove it, I fell in love with it. It is truly the BEST car I have ever had. Comfort, looks, reliability, performance is perfect. I hope we have beautiful weather here in MN so I can drive with the roof down. Love that Sun!!

• 

  Simply Awesome! - 2012 Volkswagen Golf
  By txst - April 8 - 9:32 am

  This Golf TDI is a lot of fun to drive and fits like a glove. The torque is surprisingly strong and peppy. I love the looks of this car inside and out. Who needs an ugly prius when VW offers this Golf with 45 MPG. This is the fourth VW I have purchased (I have previously owned a Jetta TDI, a Passat, and a CC) and this one just might be my favorite out of the four. I highly recommend this car.

• 

  Two New Passats - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Howard Phykitt - April 8 - 6:43 am

  The Passat TDI has plenty of pep for passing. Averaging 42 mpg to work and back (160 miles). Build quality and stability is as goog as a Mercedes. We liked it so much that we bought a second one. Radio on both cars in AM mode is raspy (seems like it is not on the exact frequency). My secretarys car which is a 2003 Passat has the same raspiness as our cars.

• 

  Great car love 4 motion - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By BJP42 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had for only 2 weeks but have been happy with everything so far. Very smooth 6 great great handling. Beautiful car in and out. Drove last nite in a ice and snow storm and remained glued to the road no slip at all.Great atention to detail interior is gorgeous. Only knock is the center arm rest storage is pathetic. But if thats the worst complaint, I can live with it. Lots of room Im comforatable at 66"

• 

  VW Passat is Awesome - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Imn2vws - April 7 - 9:03 am

  I absolutely love my Passat. I have had no issues at all and enjoy every time I get to go for a ride. The 2.0T Turbo engine is very powerful for such a fuel efficient engine. 200hp and 32mpg. I would do it again in a heart beat....